Ride to Valhalla: 4 Day Ride in September with Out Our Front Door out of Chicago, IL

A 4-day, 3-night Bike Camping Adventure circumnavigating Door County Wisconsin from Sturgeon Bay, WI to Washington Island, WI and back!

EVENT DETAILS

When: Fri–Mon on September 15th – Monday 18th

Meet: 11am Friday, September 15th at Sunset Park in Sturgeon Bay, WI

Itinerary:

Day 1 – Sturgeon Bay to Peninsula State Park – 30mi

Day 2 – Peninsula State Park to Washington Island Campground – 45mi

Day 3 – Second overnight on Washington Island – 25mi

Day 4 – Washington Island to Sturgeon Bay – 75m

Pace: Casual, option to ride together as a group. 12-15mph

Trail/Route: Paved road with minimal gravel incorporated

Lodging: Tent (camping gear not provided)

Support: Semi supported – you carry a majority of your own camping gear etc. on your own bike. Out Our Front Door will allow 1 school-size backpack to be carried in our support vehicle to lighten your load.

Meals: More details below.

Additional Nights: OOFD has a group site reserved for the Thursday before and the Tuesday after the event that all riders are welcome to stay at for FREE! That way, if you want to arrive the night before and/or not drive home after riding 70+ miles on Monday, you can stay with the group at Potowatomi State Park in Sturgeon Bay. No meals provided during those additional nights.

Transportation: You can drive (just under 4 hours from Chicago) and park for the duration of the trip in Sunset Park in Sturgeon Bay (this is where the group will begin and ending the ride). There is no charge for parking.

Parking: Sunset Park, Sturgeon Bay

TRIP DESCRIPTION

This is not your average group bike ride. At certain breakpoints and along the way, our Guides will immerse and educate in the history, geography, architecture and the uniquely beautiful natural habitats and ecosystems of Door County. The organizers will incorporate cultural stops to see some of the more interesting sights of Door County.

The group will learn about the quest for Icelandic-American inventor, Chester Thordarson, to build a Valhalla in America on Rock Island. Jens Jensen, the landscape architect responsible for such Chicago landmarks as Humboldt and Garfield Parks, has an intellectual commune and natural retreat called The Clearing which will be a stop along the way.

Natural highlights include the splendor and glaciated cliffs of Door County, looking out onto Green Bay and Lake Michigan.

The group will take a rest day on Washington and Rock Islands, allowing for some time to explore the island by bike. See such sites as the Stavkirke, a Scandinavian church and the Mountain Park Lookout. Rock Island is a former private estate of the Thordarson family and see the historic boathouse.

Transfers: Out Our Front Door has limitations for ticket transfers, but may accommodate in the event certain criteria are met. You may review this updated Transfer Policy flowsheet to determine what next steps you need to take.

Read more about this adventure on our blog here.

MENU DESCRIPTION

Biking through Door County in the fall allows riders to enjoy the majority of meals outdoors. The group will take every opportunity to enjoy the comfortable fall weather and have as much outdoor time as possible. Each morning, hearty, traditional breakfasts like breakfast tacos with eggs, bacon or sausage and tortillas or oatmeal, fresh fruit and coffee, of course, will be prepared for you by your camp guides. The days are full of biking adventures and to keep everyone rolling, the organizers have planned the route so that guides can set up a sandwich bar lunch with popular condiments and salty chips to keep up your electrolyte levels as the group is en-route to the next destination. Door County is rich in historical and natural beauty, and the lunch spots are planned to help riders discover some of the best. Dinners are shared as a group and provide an opportunity to chat about the day, learn about one another, and relish in the satisfaction of a full meal after a day of outdoor activity. On the first evening, the group will enjoy watching (and eating) one of Wisconsin’s oldest traditions, the fish boil. And for those who are vegan or vegetarian, there are alternative options available. Once the group arrives on Washington Island, they will enjoy catered dinners at the campground that include grilled meats and veggies, salads, and deserts that feature the fruits of Washington Island. Dinners are served at around the same time each night, and with two days on the island, riders start to feel the campground is our home away from home

Meals and entertainment will be provided on this unique adventure. The organizers hope for clear skies at night for clear viewing of the stars from Washington Island.

What is Bike Camping? It’s where you stay overnight in a tent by bike. Get a bike rack. Strap your Tent, Sleeping Bag, and Supplies, then adventure out. So Gather some friends and let’s have a good time!

To learn more about the region the group will be traveling through, check out Destination Door County’s video on Icelandic Heritage.

Required Items:

• Your bike!
• Helmet – please bring one
• Tent/Camping Gear
• Head Lamp
• Cash/Debit/Credit Card for your food and your drinks
• Photo I.D. and Emergency contact Info
• Two spare inner tubes and tools to replace a flat if not around a guide
• Water bottle
• Bike lights, front and rear
• Lock for your bike
• High Energy Snacks
• Personal Items – There are showers at the campsites so bring your own soap, small towel and deodorant
• Helmet – please bring one
• Change of clothes and be sure to include a swimsuit!